Life Saving Treatment for Ridgefield Teen

For the past few years, a family in our community has been doing everything they can to care for one of their own who is struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).  BPD is a form of severe and chronic emotional dis-regulation that, in times of crisis, often manifests in self-harm, suicide attempts, and other profoundly maladaptive behaviors.  65-70% of people with BPD make at least one suicide attempt.  10% die by suicide, the highest rate of any mental illness.  Because it often occurs alongside other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, and because there are so many myths and stigma around the disorder, it often goes undiagnosed for years.  Such was the case with our friends, who only recently discovered that their loved one struggles with BPD. 

Despite its severity, a diagnosis of BPD is actually a hopeful one.  Therapists call it “the good prognosis,” because there is an effective treatment: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which works for the vast majority of patients. Remission is not only possible, but likely: accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment provide a significant reduction in symptoms for nearly 80% of those with BPD.

DBT requires highly skilled specialists, and the treatment process is rigorous and lengthy, so insurance companies simply do not cover full-scale DBT programs.  The financial burden on families can be overwhelming, especially when they come to DBT after years of other expensive therapies.  Many simply cannot afford to give their loved ones the care they need, and the condition worsens over time. 

Then there is the psychological toll on the family as a whole.  Studies show that the impact of mental illness on a family is a catastrophic event, on par with combat or imprisonment.  The majority of families of people with symptoms of BPD actually meet the criteria for PTSD. Without proper psychological support, they are likely to suffer deep and permanent psychological damage. 

Our friends are struggling to support their loved one in recovery, and struggling to take care for themselves.  So we are asking the community to come together to help them in any way you can.

To protect this child's identity we would like to keep their name private.  This child's parents have lost the battle with insurance to pay for a facility that has a high rate of success.  Their child needs to go there now.  Please consider making a donation so this family can get the help they so desperately need.  With your help, we know this special child and family can recover and go on to live the amazing lives they are all destined to live.